Characterization of Bangkok Airborne Particulates Using the X-Ray Fluorescence Technique

Abstract

Characterization of airborne particulates in Bangkok urban area has been performed usingthe X-ray Fluorescence Technique. The average concentrations of major elements insuspended particulates, i.e., Al, Si, K, Ca, Fe and S were 6.32, 22.04, 1.80, 10.36, 1.82 and4.17 percent by weight respectively. The technique could also detect some trace elements inparticulates such as Pb, Br, Mn, Ni, Zn, Ti and Cu. Concentrations of these elements werefound to be 2.084, 0.512, 0.272, 0.443, 3.635, 1.775 and 2.066 mg/g respectively. Thedetection limit of these elements on a 9.621 sq. cm. cellulose filter were found to be 0.22,0.14, 0.15, 0.09, 0.10, 0.21 and 0.09 micrograms respectively. Wavelength Dispersive X-rayFluorescence system (WDX) was used to analyse trace elements. For major elements, anEnergy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence system (EDX) was used. The peak-to-backgroundratio method was used to correct the matrix effects of varied chemical composition. Theresults compared favorably with analyses obtained by standard instruments such as ICPAESand AAS.